Marshall HC Charles Huff Noncommittal on Starting QB Ahead of Season Opener

As Marshall prepares to kickoff the 2024 season, head coach Charles Huff was asked one big question on the mind of fans of the Thundering Herd – who will be the starting quarterback?

Huff answered that in a way that could be left up for interpretation. He said this week’s practices will determine who ends up claiming the starting job for Saturday.

While some fans were hoping to hear one player separated himself from the others, Huff said he feels confident in each of the them and that they can each “play at a high level.”

Coach Huff said this week’s practices will determine who his starting quarterback will be Saturday…says he feels all 3 can play at a high level
⁦@HerdFB⁩ pic.twitter.com/eSVS6TXyJl

— Keith Morehouse (@KeithMorehouse) August 27, 2024

Huff has talked about the competition among the quarterbacks all throughout fall camp.

“We’ve had a true quarterback competition this year, unlike my other fall practices here,” Huff said. “I feel really good about the position. It’s important that we have multiple quarterbacks ready to play, because we haven’t had the original starter finish the year due to injury. Having true competition gives you more confidence going into the year,” said Huff to WV MetroNews on Aug. 21.

The three quarterbacks who appear to be left in the battle are the returning  redshirt sophomoreCole Pennington and transfers Braylon Braxton and Stone Earle. Pennington is the son of Marshall legend and former two-time NFL Comeback Player of the Year Chad Pennington while Braxton is a redshirt junior who transferred from Tulsa and Earle spent the last two seasons with North Texas.

Marshall, who finished the 2023 season 6-7 (3-5, Sun Belt) and a loss in the Frisco Bowl to UTSA, will open the season at home against Stony Brook. Kickoff for Saturday’s game is scheduled for 5 pm ET.

For a related story, Huff took blame for his 2023 quarterback transferring after taking heat from fans.